A society which has nothing more to offer people than ‘assisted dying’ has “really lost its way”, according to a Catholic Bishop. An Oireachtas committee has just recommended that Ireland permit assisted suicide and euthanasia.

Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, spoke at the Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo on Wednesday.

He told the congregation that our care for the most vulnerable among us is “a measure of our humanity”.

“It is understandable that people facing chronic or terminal illness sometimes feel that they might be better off if they were dead. But a society which has nothing more to offer to people than to assist them in ending their own lives, has really lost its way. Through the time we spend with the sick, listening to them, providing essential care, sharing memories, and, perhaps, praying with them, that we continue the healing ministry of Jesus. In this way, we bear witness in action to the fact that there is no such thing as a life without value”, he said.